Weekender to Benefit Climate Fellowship Program

The following blog was written by Bethany Garretson, a professor at Paul Smith's College who oversees the Climate Fellowship Program, the financial beneficiary of the Aug. 6-8 Weekender at Paul Smith's College event. The event will also serve as an opportunity for guests to donate bikes and bicycling equipment for students to use while studying at PSC. 

Stories are a direct line from one heart to another. They break down barriers, teach us morals and values, and pass on legacy. They are powerful, heartbreaking, and joyful.

I love stories. They give me comfort. Knowing that whatever journey I am on, I am not alone. I suppose that is why I use the art of storytelling as a teaching tool in my classrooms.

Straight out of graduate school, I began instructing at Paul Smith’s College in 2014. I taught Politics of the Environment and believed one way to break down political barriers was to have a conversation with someone with an opposing view. This led to a reoccurring interview project that transitioned to a Storytelling Fellowship Program.

Today, five students have received the fellowship and have collected marginalized stories from the American South to South Africa. They have written articles and created documentaries. Current fellow, Ariah Mitchell is spending her summer, volunteering at food banks across the US and recording the story of food insecurity in America. Fellow Luke Ely is working in the Adirondacks and exploring the exclusive roots of guiding culture and how there’s hope on the horizon for a more inclusive Recreation industry.

Through these stories we see, hear, and feel limitations imposed on individuals because of race, gender, sexual identity, and economic standing. Another initiative I’ve begun at Paul Smith’s college in collaboration with the fellowship program and BikeADK, is Outfit a New Explorer.

The concept is simple: Help break down economic barriers that keep many from recreating by donating old gear. Have old bikes? Did you upgrade to the newest model and have a garage of dusty parts? Bring them to PSC. With my fall Diversity and Inclusion students, we will create a bike repair and rent program for PSC students.

Be a part of something amazing. By participating in the Weekender at Paul Smith's College, you'll be donating to our fellowship program, but we'd also invite you to bring your old bikes and bike gear to donate in order to help Outfit a New Explorer. Be a part of the story.

Follow our progress at: @bethany.climbs.

Registration for the Weekender at Paul Smith's College event is open until July 22. Sign up today.